Apparatus for nesting bags

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for loading a series of bags onto a mandrel in nested relationship with each bag in the series being disposed inside of its next succeeding neighbor in the series, the apparatus handling the bags accomplishing the operation with both positive loading and positive release, with the release being accomplished at substantially the same point in each cycle. The apparatus includes a delivery means such as a first conveyor which delivers the individual bags to be loaded in series relationship onto a second conveyor. The second conveyor has a plurality of pickup means for releasably engaging the surface of each bag, and thereafter transporting these engaged bags in stable disposition to a predetermined discharge point. The second conveyor means is provided with means to open the bag relatively widely so as to permit the bottom of the next preceding bag to be received within the walls of the widely opened top.

United States Patent Richard C. Adams West Harrington, 11.1.;

Thomas J. Monahan, Swansea, Mass.; George A. Picotte, Johnston, 11.1.

[72] Inventors 2|1 Appl. Nb. 842,972

[22] Filed July 18, 1969 [45] Patented July 27, 1971 [73] Assignec G. T.Schjeldahl Company Northfield, Minn.

[54] APPARATUS FOR NESTING BAGS Primary Examiner-Wayne A. Morse, Jr.Attorney-Orrin M. Haugen ABSTRACT: Apparatus for loading a series ofbags onto a mandrel in nested relationship with each bag in the seriesbeing disposed inside of its next succeeding neighbor in the series, theapparatus handling the bags accomplishing the operation with bothpositive loading and positive release, with the release beingaccomplished at substantially the same point in each cycle. Theapparatus includes a delivery means such as a first conveyor whichdelivers the individual bags to be loaded in series relationship onto asecond conveyor. The second conveyor has a plurality of pickup means forreleasably engaging the surface of each bag, and thereafter transportingthese engaged bags in stable disposition to a predetermined dischargepoint. The second conveyor means is provided with means to open the bagrelatively widely so as to permit the bottom of the next preceding bagto be received within the walls of the widely opened top.

APPARATUS FOR NESTING BAGS The present invention relates generally to anapparatus for loading a series of individual bags ontoa mandrel with thebags being loaded thereon in nested relationship. In the application ofbags or groups of bags to a specific end use, it is frequently desirableto provide these bags to the customer in prenested relationship. Nestedbags or groups of nested bags are particularly desirable for use inretailsupermarkets and the like wherein space requirements are limited,and wherein convenient access tobags during a sequence of transactionsis required. Y

In the past, various means and techniques have been provided for loadingbags onto a mandrel in nested relationship. These techniques havefrequently been cumbersome and time-consuming, and may also require, inmany instances, separate and distinct operations for the formation ofthe bags, per se, and for the loading of the bags onto a mandrel thebags being arranged in series nested relationship. In the presentinvention, means are provided for a continuous operation of bagformation, and loading of the bags as formed onto a mandrel in nestedrelationship. I

The apparatus of the present invention is particularly adapted for usein the treatment of film materials, particularly heat weldable filmmaterials. suchas polyethylene, polypropylene and the like. The nestingof bags formed from thin flexible films in difficult due to the extremeflexibility of these products. In other words, the individual bags,being thin, flimsy, and flexible, are difficult to handle, manipulate,and otherwise transfer into any sort of ordered relationship. Thisproblemis compounded when it is proposed to load a series of individualfilm bags onto a mandrel in nested relationship, particularly because ofthe inability of these flexible films to follow a distinct predictableand reproducible pattern of motion.

In accordance with the present-invention, meansare provided for rigidlysecuring, handling, and retaining the individual bags as they are movedfrom a'delivery point at the terminal end of a first conveyor, thefirstconveyor preferably including means for forming the bag, and from thisdelivery point, the bags are carried onto a mandrel and arranged thereonin nested relationship. The apparatus of the present invention isparticularly useful in connection with bags formed with the bottom sealsthereof forming or comprising'folded gussets. The folded gusset permitsexpansion of the opening existing between the opposed front and rearsidewalls so as to provide a widely opened top for nesting loading. Ifdesired, means may be provided to cuff the individual bags or individualgroups of bags.

Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to providean improved means for the handling of film bags and for the loading ofthese bags serially onto a mandrel in nested relationship.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedtechnique for the handling of a series of individual film bags in anin-line process wherein the bags are formed serially in one station, andthereafter serially transferred to a loading station wherein they areloade'donto a mandrel in series nested relationship, one to another.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide animproved apparatus for the loading of a plurality of bags serially ontoa mandrel in nested relationship, one to another, particularly whereinthe bags are initially grasped or gripped, and while moving, the opentop of the bag is'expanded or extended so as to provide a wide openingbetween the opposed front and near sidewalls of the bag, thus permittingthe nesting of a substantial number of bags serially on a singlemandrel.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide animproved technique for the continuous pickup, transporting, and ultimateloading of a film bag onto a loading mandrel, the bag being picked up atthe discharge end of a separate conveyor, and transferred without riskof ripping or tearing of the bag surface as it is finally loaded on theloading mandrel.

Other and further objects of the present invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art of bag making and handling upon a study ofthe following specification, appended claims, and accompanying drawingwherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the loading apparatus of the presentinvention, and illustrating, in particular, the disposition of the bagsas they are being picked p by the loading apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, and showing the disposition of thebag immediately upon being picked up by the loading apparatus of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a view, also similar to FIG. I, and showing the disposition ofthebag as it appears upon being loaded onto the loading mandrel;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a'component utilized in the loadingconveyor, this being a rack means which is supported by a pair ofendless belts, and which retains the pickup pin members which releasablyengage the film bag from an initial pickup disposition to a bagsupporting disposition, and finally to a release disposition;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line and in thedirection of the arrows 5 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the individual appear duringthe engaging of afilm bag;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, and showing the pickup pins duringthe sequence of operation, immediately after the pickup pin has enteredthe hole formed in the bag;

,FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, and showing the dispositionof the pickup pins as the bag is being held in a bag supportingdisposition;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, and illustrating thedisposition of the upper portion of the bag as they bag structure isbeing received on the loading mandrel;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, and illustrating thedisposition of the bag as it is being released from the pickup pins,FIG. 10 showing the disposition of the bag immediately subsequent'intime to the disposition shown in FIG.

pickup pins as they FIG. 11 is a detail elevational view showing thedisposition of the individual pickup pins relative to one another, andillustrating the staggered axes;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bag formed in a style particularlyadaptable for usein the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a detail view of a cutting bar and welding bar utilized inthe bag forming portion of that apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a rack means similar to the rack meansillustrated in FIG. 4, and illustrating a modified form of cam followermeans; and

FIG. 15 is a'vertical sectional view taken along the line and in thedirection of the arrows 15-15 of FIG. 14. In accordance with thepreferred modification of the present invention, and with particularreference being made to Figures 1, 2 and 3, it will be seen that theapparatus generally designated 10 includes a first conveyor means 1 1, asecond conveyor means 12 arranged in continuation with the firstconveyor means 11, along with n a nesting or loading station generallydesignated 13. As has been previously indicated, the individual bags tobe stacked or nested are formed in the first conveyor means 11, anddischarged therefrom into the second conveyor means 12, and ultimatelyloaded in nested relationship in the nesting station 13.

Referring now to the details of the first conveyor means, it will beseen that this first conveyor means has a bed or other defined axis oftravel for the film 15 which is moved therethrough. As will be seen fromthe drawings, film 15 is heat-weldable film in tubular form orconfiguration. In moving the film 15 through the apparatus, a pair ofdraw rolls l6 and 17 are ositioned to form a nip zone for deliveringdrive energy for iEItermittent motion of the film web 15. Power isprovided f r the draw rolls from a suitable power source, not shown,(itbeing understood that the draw rolls are conventional in the art and assuch are well known and commercially available.

As the film web moves through the first conveyor means, an inwardlyfolded gusset is formed as at 19 and 20, this gusset being formed byconventional plows of the type used in the film handling art, and maybe, for example, of the style shown at 21 and 22 in FIG. I. Preformedgussetted tubing, which is available commercially may be used ifdesired. At this station, a pair of punch assemblies generallydesignated 23 and 24 are provided for forming holes in the walls of thebag. Specifically, the assemblies contain four punches, designated 25,26, 27 and 28. These punches are also conventional in the art, and maybe, for example, of the type disclosed and claimed in the copendingapplication of Maurice E. Blais, Ser. No. 617,377, filed Feb. 20, 1967,now US. Pat. No. 3,465,634. As can be seen from a study of the punches23 and 24, the punching axis of the punching heads is disposedorthogonally to the machine direction of the film web, and this permitsa greater ease of handling of the film during the punching operation.The holes formed in the bag at this station are shown in some detail inFIG. 12, a first pair of holes formed by the punch being shown at 30-31,and a second pair of holes formed by the punch 26 is shown at 32-33.

With attention continuing to be directed to FIG. 1, and with attentionalso being directed to FIG. 13, it will be seen that the welding andcutter bar assembly generally designated 35 comprises a reeiprocablemoving arm or bracket 36 which is resiliently coupled by means ofsprings 37 and 38 to a bar plate assembly including a shoe member 39 anda welding bar member 40. The welding bar member 40 carries a heated tip42, and also carries, in spaced relationship thereto, a blade or shearmember 43 which is adapted to cut the film at a point adjacent the weld.Suitable pads are provided for the heated tip 42 and the shear 43, asshown at 44 and 45 respectively. As an alternative, a transverselymoving flying knife may be employed to perform the cutting operation.

As indicated in FIG. 1, as the film moves through the conveyor means 11,and while at dwell, it is punched at the punching stations 23 and 24,and is welded to form a sealed bottom wall, and is also severed adjacentthe bottom wall by means of the welding and cutter bar assembly 35. Uponbeing severed, so as to form the bag structure shown in FIG. 12, the batis supported by the short conveyor assembly generally designated 50,which has an idler roll as at 51, and a drive roll as at 52, these rollsbeing spanned by one or more endless belts or webs 53. Preferably, andas is conventional in the art, a plurality of spaced belts are utilizedto form the web 53. It will be appreciated, for purposes of operation,that the speed of the conveyor is adjusted so as to match the speedprovided by the draw rolls l6 and 17, the drive of conveyor 50preferably being intermittent so as to carry the individual bags, asformed, to a predetermined axial or machine direction disposition.

Upon discharge from the first conveyor means 11, the individual bags arepicked up and moved along the second conveyor means 12. As will be shownherein, the second conveyor means has a pickup means for releasablyengaging and spreading the gripping surfaces of the bag, and whentransported a suitable distance, the individual bags are released anddeposited at the nesting station 13.

With particular attention being directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 of thedrawings, it will be seen that the leading edge of the individual bags,as they leave the first conveyor means, are supported, if required, by asuitable resting table or surface 60-60. The leading edges of the bagsare engaged by the individual pickup pins while the bags are insubstantially the disposition shown in FIG. 1.

Turning now to the details of the second conveyor means, this portion ofthe apparatus includes two superimposed pairs of endless belts orchains, the first pair including endless belts 62 and 63, the secondpair including the belts 64 and 65. As is indicated, each of the endlessbelts has an inner span which lies adjacent the axis of the conveyorsystem, and an outer span which is removed from that axis. Theindividual endless belts are capable of supporting racks of the typeshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, these racks, in turn, being provided withaxially rotatable pickup pins which are adapted to engage theappropriate surfaces of the individual bag members, the engagingsurfaces being, for purposes ofthis application, referred to as"gripping surfaces." If desired, guide supports may be utilized tocontrol the disposition of the individual endless belts or chains asthey move along their individual spans. Also, if desired, a centersupport rod or the like may be employed for assisting the support of thecenter portion of the individual bags, thus preventing or eliminating adroop situation from occurring and the possible interference with thereturning racks on the lower span.

If desired, for purposes of uniformity, a pressure member, such as acantilevered or hanging sheet may be employed to compress the leadingedge of the individual bags as they approach the pickup area, thuspresenting a more uniform surface for ultimate pickup by the individualpins.

For a better understanding of the structure of the racks and pickuppins, particular attention is directed to FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings,wherein this structure is shown in detail. The individual racks areshown generally at 70, each rack including a lateral support bar orchannel 71, along with a pickup pin assembly generally designated 72 ateach end thereof. The system further includes a locking bar assemblyshown generally at 73, the combination of the pickup pin assembly andlocking bar being designed for Geneva drive rotational motion.

Referring now to the pickup pin assembly 72, this assembly includes anupper flanged drive plate 75 which has a bore formed centrally therein,for accommodating the pickup pin retaining shaft 76. Shaft 76 issuitably journaled in bearing 77 in order to accommodate free motionthereof. At the base of rod 76, a bore is formed which accommodates theshank portion 78 of the pickup pin generally designated 79, the pickuppin 79 being further provided with a bag supporting portion 80. It willbe appreciated that the angular disposition of the bag supportingportion of the pin 79 assists in holding the upper edge of the bag taut,particularly as is shown in FIG. 3. Any suitable means may be employedto couple the pin 79 to the shaft 76. The upper surface of the flangeddrive plate 75 is provided with four individual studs or pins designated81, 82, 83, and 84, each of these pins being disposed so as to makecontact with the surface of cam plate 85, and thus provide 90 of arcuatemotion for the shaft 76 upon each cam-striking event. It is thisarrangement which provides for the intermittent Geneva drive.

Referring now to the locking bar assembly 73, this assembly includes anupper resiliently biased locking lug or plate 86, biased plate 86 beingcarried and journaled for rotation with supporting shaft 87. Plate 86 isfurther 15 provided with a stud 88 which is effectively cammed into thedisposition shown in phantom is FIG. 4 by cam 89, thus permittingintermittent arcuate rotation of the drive plate 75, the rotation beingfollowed in time by an intermittent locking of the drive plate 75, thereturn rotation being accomplished by spring member 36a. It is thisintermittent rotation and locking which permits the bag supportingportion of the pickup pin 79 to perform its function in the entireoperation.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 6 of the drawings, with continuedattention being directed to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. Thus, as the individualbag unit is being discharged from conveyor means 11, and being held inapproximately the disposition shown in FIG. 2, the racks 70 areapproaching the surface of the individual bags, both from the uppersurface and the lower surface, so as to effectively engage both theopposed front and rear sidewalls of the bag. As is indicated in FIG. 6,the pickup pin is arranged in the picl up" disposition with the bagsupporting axis being disposed generally parallel to the axis of thesecond conveyor means, and with the tip portion thereof extending in thedirection of travel of the system. It If is while it is in thisposition, that it effectively "rocks into engagement with the holesformed in the bag as shown in FIG. 12 at 30 and 31. With the pin 79effectively engaging the bag, and with the simultaneous release of thewelding and cutting bar assembly 35, the bag is permitted to advancealong the extent of the second conveyor means. Immediately upon leavingthe initial pickup disposition, a situation such as is illustrated inFIG. 7 occurs, with the bag supporting portion 80 of the pin 79underlying the gusscted portion of the bag member as shown in FIG. 12,the pin extending through the holes 30 and 31. It will be apparent atthis point, that similar pickup pins are provided for the mated bores32, 33, as well as for bores 30A, 31A, 32A and 33A respectively. Inother words, the bag is supported at four corners, or at four cornerareas of the open top portion.

Immediately upon leaving the pickup station, and upon achieving a slightadvance along the machine direction, the individual bag supportingportions 80 of pickup pin 79 are advanced, or rotated 90 from the pickupdisposition, to achieve the position shown in FIG. 8. This dispositionis retained until the system reaches or encounters the unloading ordischarge station further downstream.

Particular attention is now directed to FIG. 9 of the drawings, again,with attention continued on FIGS. 2, 4 and 5; FIG. 9 illustratingthearrangement of the bag as it is approaching the nesting station, forultimate unloading onto the parallelly disposed tongues 90 and 91. Thebase of the individual tongues 90 and 91 are each provided with anabutment surface 92.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3 of the drawings, with continuedattention being directed to FIG. 9. It will be seen that as the bottomwall 93 of the bag approaches abutment surface 92, cams 95 and 96 whichare similar to cams 85 and 89 in structure, are contacted so as to openthe locking bar assembly, and permit 90 of arcuate motion of the pickuppin 79, whereupon the disposition shown in FIG. is achieved. Thedisposition shown in FIG. 10 is held by the bag, and with the pickuppins in the release disposition, the bag is readily removed from thesecond conveyor means and thus deposited securely onto the nestingstation such as is defined by the tongues 90 and 91.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 11 of the drawings wherein thestaggered axes for the individual pickup pin assemblies is illustrated.The purpose of staggering these axes is to permit the individual pins toinitially pickup" the forward or leading edge of the bags, andthereafter extend or diverge these surfaces for depositing on thenesting station. If the axes were not staggered, interference betweenthe tips of the pins could be expected, and furthermore, interferencewith the holes and pins could occur, with the individual pins passingthrough more holes than would otherwise occur with the staggered axes.

Although the present assembly has been shown with a gripping meansformed from a pair of coaxial bores, it will be appreciated that a bagcould be picked up by other means, such as, for example, a bore formedthrough only one surface of the bag, this being, of course, necessarilythe outer surface. In addition, the structure has been shown withinwardly folded gussets 19 and formed in the bag structure. As will beappreciated, the bag structure may conveniently utilize outwardly foldedgussets for equal purposes.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings wherein amodified form of rack means is illustrated. The rack means generallydesignated 100 comprises a frame member 101 which has a generally squarecross section, and which is provided with suitable means for coupling tothe endless belt devices. The rack 100 is provided with laterallypositioned or mounted pickup pin drive means generally designated 102and 103, these drive means including a cam member or index star 194 anda retaining or locking member 105. Member 105 is preferably square inits configuration in order to suitably hold or retain the members inpredetermined stable disposition. The assemblies are further providedwith pickup pins having a shank portion 106 along with a bag supportingtip portion m7. Preferably, the pins are orthogonal to the vertical axisin order to assist, aid, or otherwise retain the bag surfaces in tautform. Thus, when a bag is being held on the pin, the angular dispositionappears to assist in maintaining the bag in predetermined taut form.

Arranged on opposite front and rear surfaces of the frame 101 areresilient flexible blades 108 and 109, these blades being secured at oneend to the frame 101, and being free to flex in cantilever fashion atthe other end. The ends flex in response to rotation of the cam followeror index star 104, and may assume the disposition shown generally inphantom at 110. The oppositely disposed flat surface of member maintainor retain the bag supporting pins in proper predetermined disposition.

In order to provide a reasonable basis for cammed intermittent rotation,the cam followers or index stars as shown at 104 are preferably formedof molded nylon, molded tetrafluoroethylene, or other similar materialswhich do not require lubrication. A convenient cam for driving the indexstar assembly may include a central pin or the like which con stitutesthe support shaft for the cam, the cam element being a simple bearing orbushing element which is mounted on the central pin. Of course, othercam or index star driving devices could be utilized, s such as, forexample, stationary posts, rods, or the like.

It will be appreciated that the structure shown herein is for purposesof illustration only, and mechanical equivalents of the specificexamples shown may be utilized by those skilled in the art.

What we claim is:

1. Apparatus for nesting bags having an open top, opposed end walls,opposed front and rear sidewalls, and a bottom wall, said apparatuscomprising:

a. first conveyor means having bag treatment means for forming aplurality of gripping surfaces on opposed surfaces of said sidewalls andat points adjacent the edge surfaces of said sidewalls and adjacent theopen top, and being arranged to deliver said bags with gripping surfacesto a discharge station;

b. second conveyor means with a central axis and with pickup means forreleasably engaging and spreading said gripping surfaces, said secondconveyor means being disposed generally intermediate said dischargestation and a nesting station, and being arranged to transfer bagsengaged by said pickup means to said nesting station;

c. a nesting station comprising a tongue means with an axis generallycoincidental with the central axis of said second conveyor means, andwith a forward abutment surface disposed generally transversely of saidcentral axis; and

d. release actuation means responsive to the axial position of saidpickup means arranged to release said pickup means from said grippingsurfaces as the forward motion of the bag retained by said pickup meansis restrained by contact with said abutment surface.

2. The apparatus for nesting bags as defined in claim l. beingparticularly characterized in that means are provided along said firstconveyor to form folded gussets on opposed end walls of said bags, andpunch means are disposed laterally of said first conveyor for formingholes through at least the opposed lateral edge surfaces of said bags,and wherein said pickup means comprises hook means for engagement withthe holes formed in said opposed lateral edge surfaces.

3. The apparatus for nesting bags as defined in claim 1 beingparticularly characterized in that means are provided along said firstconveyor toform inwardly folded gussets of said opposed end walls, andpunch means are disposed laterally of said first conveyor for formingholes through at least the opposed lateral edge surfaces of saidsidewalls adjacent each lateral edge thereof and adjacent the open topof said bag, and wherein said pickup means comprises hook means forengagement with the holes formed in said opposed lateral edge surfaces.

4. The apparatus for nesting bags as defined in claim 3 beingparticularly characterized in that a pair of punch means are disposedalong each lateral edge of said first conveyor means for formingsuperimposed holes through both the sidewall and its adjacent gussetportion only.

5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 being particularly characterizedin that each pair of punch means disposed along one lateral edge of saidfirst conveyor is arranged to form laterally spaced holes throughopposed sidewall-gusset portion pairs of said bags.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterizedin that said pickup means comprises a pickup pin having a shank portionand a bag supporting portion, the bag supporting portion having an axisdisposed generally parallel to but spaced outwardly from the axis ofsaid second conveyor.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 being particularly characterizedin that said pickup pins are supported by a pair of racks arranged inoppositely disposed relationship to a bag within said second conveyormeans, the racks being spaced from and having an axis generallytransverse to the axis of said second conveyor.

8. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 being particularly characterizedin that:

a. the axis of the shank portion of each pickup pin is disposedgenerally normal to both the axis of said bag supporting portion and theaxis of said second conveyor; and

b. means are provided to dispose the bag supporting portion of saidpickup pin in a plurality of arcuately spaced stable dispositions,including; 1. a pickup disposition with the bag supporting axis beingdisposed generally parallel to the second conveyor axis and with the tipthereof extending in the direction of travel;

2. a bag supporting disposition with the bag supporting axis beingdisposed generally transversely to the second conveyor axis; and

3. a release disposition with the bag supporting axis being disposedgenerally parallel to the second conveyor axis, and with the tip thereofextending oppositely to the direction of travel.

9. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 being particularly characterizedin that each of said racks is supported by pairs of endless beltsdisposed generally adjacent the lateral edge of the bags, and with eachof said pairs of belts having a span adjacent the axis of said secondconveyor and a span remote from the axis of said second conveyor andwith belt-carrying wheels at the end of each span.

10. The apparatus as defined in claim 9 being particularly characterizedin that said pickup pins engage the hole formed in the bag surface asthe endless belt approaches the span adjacent the axis of said secondconveyor and while the bag support portion of the pickup pin is rotatingarcuately toward a disposition generally parallel to the axis of saidsecond conveyor.

11. The apparatus as defined in claim 10 being particularlycharacterized in that means are provided for disposing the bag supportportion of said pickup pin in a plurality of arcuately spaced stabledispositions, including;

1. a pickup disposition with the bag supporting axis being disposedgenerally parallel to the second conveyor axis and with the tip thereofextending in the direction of travel;

2. a bag supporting disposition with the bag supporting axis beingdisposed generally transversely to the second eonveyor axis; and

3. A release disposition with the bag supporting axis being disposedgenerally parallel to the second conveyor axis, and with the tip thereofextending oppositely to the direction of travel.

12. The apparatus as defined in claim 8 being particularly characterizedin that Geneva drive means are provided for rotating said shankportions, the drive means including a plurality of cams disposed alongthe path of travel of said shank portion and a plurality of camfollowers coupled to said shank portion and arranged for axial rotationtherewith.

13. The apparatus as defined in claim 12 being particularlycharacterized in that:

a. first cam means are provided for disposing said bag supportingportion ina bag pickup disposition as the pin enters the holes formed inthe bag;

b. second cam means are provided for rotating said bag supportingportion to a bag supporting disposition immediately after picking up thebag; and

c. third cam means are provided for rotating said bag supporting portionto a release disposition as the bottom wall of the engaged bagapproaches the abutment surface of said nesting station.

14. The apparatus as defined in claim 9 being particularly characterizedin that the span adjacent the axis of the second conveyor divergesangularly from the plane of the tongue as the span position approachesthe abutment member to spread the opposed front and rear sidewalls topermit a plurality of bags to engage said tongue.

1. Apparatus for nesting bags having an open top, opposed end walls,opposed front and rear sidewalls, and a bottom wall, said apparatuscomprising: a. first conveyor means having bag treatment means forforming a plurality of gripping surfaces on opposed surfaces of saidsidewalls and at points adjacent the edge surfaces of said sidewalls andadjacent the open top, and being arranged to deliver said bags withgripping surfaces to a discharge station; b. second conveyor means witha central axis and with pickup means for releasably engaging andspreading said gripping surfaces, said second conveyor means beingdisposed generally intermediate said discharge station and a nestingstation, and being arranged to transfer bags engaged by said pickupmeans to said nesting station; c. a nesting station comprising a tonguemeans with an axis generally coincidental with the central axis of saidsecond conveyor means, and with a forward abutment surface disposedgenerally transversely of said central axis; and d. release actuationmeans responsive to the axial position of said pickup means arranged torelease said pickup means from said gripping surfaces as the forwardmotion of the bag retained by said pickup means is restrained by contactwith said abutment surface.
 2. The apparatus for nesting bags as definedin claim 1 being particularly characterized in that means are providedalong said first conveyor to form folded gussets on opposed end walls ofsaid bags, and punch means are disposed laterally of said first conveyorfor forming holes through at least the opposed lateral edge surfaces ofsaid bags, and wherein said pickup means comprises hook means forengagement with the holes formed in said opposed lateral edge surfaces.2. a bag supporting disposition with the bag supporting axis beingdisposed generally transversely to the second conveyor axis; and
 2. abag supporting disposition with the bag supporting axis being disposedgenerally transversely to the second conveyor axis; and
 3. A releasedisposition with the bag supporting axis being disposed generallyparallel to the second conveyor axis, and with the tip thereof extendingoppositely to the direction of travel.
 3. a release disposition with thebag supporting axis being disposed generally parallel to the secondconveyor axis, and with the tip thereof extending oppositely to thedirection of travel.
 3. The apparatus for nesting bags as defined inclaim 1 being particularly characterized in that means are providedalong said first conveyor to form inwardly folded gussets of saidopposed end walls, and punch means are disposed laterally of said firstconveyor for forming holes through at least the opposed lateral edgesurfaces of said sidewalls adjacent each lateral edge thereof andadjacent the open top of said bag, and wherein said pickup meanscomprises hook means for engagement with the holes formed in saidopposed lateral edge surfaces.
 4. The apparatus for nesting bags asdefined in claim 3 being particularly characterized in that a pair ofpunch means are disposed along each lateral edge of said first conveyormeans for forming superimposed holes through both the sidewall and itsadjacent gusset portion only.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4being particularly characterized in that each pair of punch meansdisposed along one lateral edge of said first conveyor is arranged toform laterally spaced holes through opposed sidewall-gusset portionpairs of said bags.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 beingparticularly characterized in that said pickup means comprises a pickuppin having a shank portion and a bag supporting portion, the bagsupporting portion having an axis disposed generally parallel to butspaced outwardly from the axis of said second conveyor.
 7. The apparatusas defined in claim 6 being particularly characterized in that saidpickup pins are supported by a pair of racks arranged in oppositelydisposed relationship to a bag within said second conveyor means, theracks being spaced from and havinG an axis generally transverse to theaxis of said second conveyor.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 6being particularly characterized in that: a. the axis of the shankportion of each pickup pin is disposed generally normal to both the axisof said bag supporting portion and the axis of said second conveyor; andb. means are provided to dispose the bag supporting portion of saidpickup pin in a plurality of arcuately spaced stable dispositions,including;
 1. a pickup disposition with the bag supporting axis beingdisposed generally parallel to the second conveyor axis and with the tipthereof extending in the direction of travel;
 9. The apparatus asdefined in claim 7 being particularly characterized in that each of saidracks is supported by pairs of endless belts disposed generally adjacentthe lateral edge of the bags, and with each of said pairs of beltshaving a span adjacent the axis of said second conveyor and a spanremote from the axis of said second conveyor and with belt-carryingwheels at the end of each span.
 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 9being particularly characterized in that said pickup pins engage thehole formed in the bag surface as the endless belt approaches the spanadjacent the axis of said second conveyor and while the bag supportportion of the pickup pin is rotating arcuately toward a dispositiongenerally parallel to the axis of said second conveyor.
 11. Theapparatus as defined in claim 10 being particularly characterized inthat means are provided for disposing the bag support portion of saidpickup pin in a plurality of arcuately spaced stable dispositions,including;
 12. The apparatus as defined in claim 8 being particularlycharacterized in that Geneva drive means are provided for rotating saidshank portions, the drive means including a plurality of cams disposedalong the path of travel of said shank portion and a plurality of camfollowers coupled to said shank portion and arranged for axial rotationtherewith.
 13. The apparatus as defined in claim 12 being particularlycharacterized in that: a. first cam means are provided for disposingsaid bag supporting portion in a bag pickup disposition as the pinenters the holes formed in the bag; b. second cam means are provided forrotating said bag supporting portion to a bag supporting dispositionimmediately after picking up the bag; and c. third cam means areprovided for rotating said bag supporting portion to a releasedisposition as the bottom wall of the engaged bag approaches theabutment surface of said nesting station.
 14. The apparatus as definedin claim 9 being particularly characterized in that the span adjacentthe axis of the second conveyor diverges angularly from the plane of thetongue as the span position approaches the abutment member to spread theopposed front and rear sidewalls to permit a plurality of bags to engagesaid tongue.